Cong alleges poll code violation by Odisha govt; moves SEC

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Bhubaneswar, June 27:

The state Congress today lodged a complaint before the state election commission (SEC) for alleged violation of the election code of conduct by the Odisha government.

In its complaint, the Congress said the announcement of the raise in the retirement age of  state government employees from 58 to 60 amounts to violation of the code in force for the Bolangir and Titlagarh ULB elections.

Congress vice-president Sivananda Ray alleged that the BJD led state government had intentionally announced raising of the retirement age limit to influence the voters in the two ULBs, election for which is scheduled to be held on July 1.

“The government could have taken the decision before or after the implementation of model code of conduct. But, it declared this at the moment when the elections for the two ULBs are nearing. Besides, the government did not take the Assembly into confidence despite knowing that the Assembly is in session,” said Ray.

However, BJD MLA Amar Satpahty refuted the allegations of Congress and said the party is trying to save its face as it knows that the urban bodies are all set to go to BJD fold.